Clarkson vs. Buffalo State College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY with SUNY Buffalo State University in Buffalo, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

SUNY Buffalo State University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (6,188 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting); SUNY Buffalo State University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY Buffalo State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarkson University 13:1; SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1.

Clarkson vs. Buffalo State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarkson or Buffalo State College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at SUNY Buffalo State University than Clarkson ($12,023 vs. $32,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY Buffalo State University are 12.4% lower than at Clarkson University ($15,986 vs. $18,252).
• Clarkson University is 596.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $50,865 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 202.2% higher at Clarkson than at SUNY Buffalo State University (about $39,745 more per year; $59,398.00 vs. $19,653.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University as at SUNY Buffalo State University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 297.8% larger than aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students ($46,528 vs. $11,697).

Clarkson vs. Buffalo State College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarkson or Buffalo State College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Buffalo State College and Clarkson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarkson University (1300) is 190 points higher than at Buffalo State College (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 1200/1390; SUNY Buffalo State University 980/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarkson - Test optional; Buffalo State College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.96 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Buffalo State College (2.84).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Buffalo State College (72.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Clarkson vs. 9.2% at Buffalo State College.

Clarkson vs. Buffalo State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarkson and Buffalo State College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Clarkson University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than SUNY Buffalo State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Clarkson University earn a median of about $30,100 more per year than Buffalo State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,800 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY Buffalo State University graduates have a $5,591 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($21,409 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buffalo State College graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($221 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.